How to Wind a Bobbin

Winding a bobbin is the first step when getting started sewing.

Before you begin:

You will always want to begin by taking a look at your user manual. The manual will show you the exact path the thread should go through in order to get a smoothly wound bobbin.

It will also tell you what size bobbin you need to be using. A new machine will come with a few in the box, but if you decide to purchase extra (and I recommend you do eventually), make sure you purchase the right size. For example, my computerized Brother sewing machine uses SA156 bobbins. If I search Amazon for “SA156 bobbins” I get plenty of results.

Once you have checked the manual and gotten the right bobbin it is time to begin.

Winding a Bobbin:

1. Put the spool of thread onto the spool pin. Place the spool cap onto the pin to secure the spool. Make sure to use a spool cap that is larger than the spool itself, so the thread doesn’t get caught in the cut on the spool end. I usually remove the sticker on the spool, so it doesn’t gum up the spool pin.
2. Pass the thread through the thread guide(s), if applicable.
3. Bring the thread under the hook of the bobbin-winding thread guide and pull the thread between the pre-tensioner disks.
4. Put the end of the thread through the hole on the empty bobbin and place the bobbin onto the bobbin winder shaft. Turn the bobbin until the spring on the shaft clicks into the notch of the bobbin. Push the bobbin winder to the right, turn on your machine, and, as you hold the thread tail, gently press your foot down on the pedal to wind a bit on thread onto the bobbin. Pause to clip the thread tail close to the bobbin.
5. Continue winding the bobbin until it is full. It will slow down or stop when it is full.
6. Push the bobbin winder back to the left. Remove the bobbin and cut the thread to free the bobbin.

Final Thoughts:

Tip 1: Before a big project I wind an extra bobbin or two. It is frustrating to run out of bobbin thread in the middle of a seam, but it’s nice knowing that I won’t have to re-thread my machine if (and when) I run out.

Tip 2: Find a way to store your bobbins that works for you. There are bobbin boxes and flexible rings that hold them and I’ve put some examples in my Amazon Storefront that you can check out. Alternatively, you can use a simple jewelry gift box like I do. I made dividers with zipper instruction cards. That’s Mrs. Frugal speaking.

Bonus: Let me know in the comments if you have just wound your first bobbin. That is an exciting first step and I am celebrating with you! {virtual cheers with our bobbins}